Finding 1176903 (2025-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-09
Audit: 390755
Organization: City of Fosston (MN)
Auditor: BRADY MARTZ

AI Summary

  • Issue: The City failed to submit certified payrolls weekly as required, with delays of 6-8 weeks for some submissions and one payroll not properly certified.
  • Requirements Impacted: Noncompliance with federal wage requirements under 29 CFR section 5.5, leading to potential legal and financial repercussions.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The City should establish procedures to ensure timely weekly submission of certified payrolls from all contractors and subcontractors.

Finding Text

Federal Program Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (AL 11.307) U.S Department of Commerce Special Tests Criteria 29 CFR section 5.5 includes a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls). Condition Payrolls were not submitted weekly and one payroll was not properly signed. Questioned Costs None Context A sample of 16 certified payroll were selected for testing. We noted 5 of the 16 payrolls were submitted 6-8 weeks after the work was performed. We also noted 1 of the 16 payrolls tested was not certified by the contractor. Cause Management oversight. Effect The City was not in compliance with federal wage requirements. Repeat Finding Yes. Prior audit finding 2024-004 Recommendation The City should implement procedures to ensure certified payrolls are received weekly from all contractors or subcontractors for each week in which work was performed. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The City agrees with the recommendation and will review its policies and procedures.

Corrective Action Plan

Contact Person – Cassandra Heide, City Administrator Corrective Action Plan – Will establish a procedure to review certified payrolls. Completion Date – March 2026

Categories

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
11.307 ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE $2.75M
14.228 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/STATE'S PROGRAM AND NON-ENTITLEMENT GRANTS IN HAWAII $264,655
20.106 AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT PROGRAMS, AND COVID-19 AIRPORTS PROGRAMS $71,591
20.509 FORMULA GRANTS FOR RURAL AREAS AND TRIBAL TRANSIT PROGRAM $31,692
20.600 STATE AND COMMUNITY HIGHWAY SAFETY $3,806
20.608 MINIMUM PENALTIES FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED $3,286